Senate of the Netherlands

The Senate of the Netherlands, also called the Eerste Kamer, is the upper house of the Dutch parliament. It plays a key role in reviewing and approving legislation passed by the lower house (the Tweede Kamer). Senators are elected by provincial legislatures every four years. While they do not initiate laws, they scrutinize, amend, or reject legislation to ensure legality and balance. The Senate provides a check on the government and helps maintain legislative quality, emphasizing thoughtful review rather than political debate. Its function is vital for democratic oversight and the stability of Dutch governance.